Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

[saorabbh]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Hi All,

Hope everyone is coping well with the COVID-19 situation!

Need your inputs regarding my next purchase. But first a bit about me.

Was active here a lot around 2011ish I think! But I moved to Australia and got busy with Uni and part times jobs(mostly to save up for my bike), got back just before the COVID lockdown(lucky me) and intend to stay for 3-4 years.

So the timeline of the bikes that I have owned goes something like this.

Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSI 2009-2013 India (Bought New and ridden about 70k)
No riding for about 6-7 months when first moved overseas.
Yamaha R125 2014-2015 Australia (Bought used and ridden about 20k)
Honda CBR300R 2015-2017 Australia (Bought New and ridden around 35k)
Honda CB500F 2017-2018 Australia (Bought used and ridden around 15k, realised I dont like naked bikes due to windblast, etc)
Yamaha MT-09 2019 Australia (Friend left it to me to take care of while he was overseas, ridden around 6k before he came back, this was a proper beast but not practical especially here in India)

Arrived here in Feb 2020, so its been about 8 months since I have owned a bike, have ridden a few owned by friends, also family owns a Suzuki Access 125 which I ride around when I am bored, its fun but certainly nothing fun or special. Itching to get back on the saddle as soon as possible, been researching the current Indian market since lockdown happened. I like Japanese bikes since I have owned a few and I like the engineering, robustness, reliability of the Japanese.

Also, I like to get a new bike, I trust no one to treat their bikes as I would[emoji3]

Had shortlisted a few
Ninja 400 (BS6 not launched)
TVS Apache (Not available for TR, no one know when it will be available)
Yamaha R3(Don't know if and when it will come back to India)

But when I visited the Delhi (Aurum) Kawasaki to check if they have any N400, they advised me that they don't but they showed me the 2021 N650, test rode the old one but will insist on TR of the new one before booking one.

I Absolutely loved it, ticked all the boxes for me, felt it like a jack of all trades, quite refined, manageable. Only con after the first sort of inspection was the underbelly exhaust which might get bashed up on the famous indian speed breakers, large potholes etc.

So I ask you my fellow xbhpians to please share your valuable feedback regarding the service and spare costs. Was advised at the showroom that the service cost will be something around 5-6k, is it accurate? are spares easily available? does the bike require a lot of maintenance? how long do the factory tyres last? Also, please share your experiences on the indian roads, does the bike feel heavy? does the underbelly get bashed up? Any other things to consider?

In any case thank you for reading through this long ass post.

ATGAT and Ride safe!

Hello Brother,

I own 2016 N650 so it's different from 2017 onwards models.
It's pretty relaxed and comfortable tourer/ commutor's bike.

But newer models are loaded with electronic techs and perks. Which is great IMO.
Also they have pretty aggressive stance as compared with older siblings. As you have previously owned R3, the riding posture won't affect much.

You'll love the bike.
It's all rounder I would say. Fuel economy is best for 650cc. 19-22kmpl in city, 22-27kmpl highways.

So,
The service cost varies with your need.

Only 1st service will cost you around 5-6k. Where they only change the engine oil and filters etc.

On 2nd and 3rd it will go up to 10k depending up consumables and spares including labour.

After 3rd it gets pretty heavy on pocket sometimes.
Front fork seals
Fork oil
Engine oil
Brake pads
Throttle body clean
Coolant check
Air/ oil Filters
Chain adjustment

And what not.

So yea it's pretty basic to get bill of around 14k-25k

Kawasaki's service is pathetic here in Pune.
They even charge you for just looking at the coolant level [emoji23]. They don't have proper equipments for critical maintenance like throttle body clean and adjustments.

This was for the only normal service and spares.
As the Kawasaki's service interval is only 6000 kms. And if you are a daily commutor like me... You will face the service station every 4 months.
Meaning ~50k for year (depends on your type of service)

Coming to the aftermarket accessories,

Yes they are available - as imports.
If you want exact fit and clean looking bike.
You can opt for branded aftermarket imported accessories. At a price.
Except swing arm spools, nothing will cost you below 10k brother. Unless you have someone abroad who can bring them for you in India.

Also there are many local dealers/ fabricators who can custom design the accessories for you at cheaper price. But you have to compromise the looks sometimes.

AliExpress was a best choice for aftermarket accessories. But due to COVID19 situation everyone are hesitant to order from china.

So cheap alternatives are available but at own risks.

All in all its a good package [emoji108] if you can spend some bucks.

[saorabbh]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

And yes the factory tyres will last max 15k depending on your rinding style

[JN8304]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

And add the following to the expenses list -

Insurance
Chain Sprocket
Headlight Upgrade
Brake pads Upgrade
Brake Lines Upgrade
Tail Tidy (optional)
Exhaust Upgrade (optional)
Double Bubble Visor (optional)
Fuel

Weight of the bike with liquids and fuel will tip over 200kgs. That’s a heavy bike.

My experience with a 2014 model was a mixed bag. Top Heavy, no ABS, great tourer, decent fuel economy (city 22, highway 27). Bajaj service support was available then. Sponge front brakes (upgraded to EBC pads and steel braided brake lines, helped improve braking). Not sure how it is now. Met with an accident, repair cost was around 1.5L (claimed insurance). Post the claim, my insurance provider refused to renew, hence had to move to another insurance provider. Had to let go of her for personal reasons.

Hope this and above post helps in your purchase decision.

Happy Shopping!!

Cheers!!!

[fahim154]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Hello Brother,

I own 2016 N650 so it's different from 2017 onwards models.
It's pretty relaxed and comfortable tourer/ commutor's bike.

But newer models are loaded with electronic techs and perks. Which is great IMO.
Also they have pretty aggressive stance as compared with older siblings. As you have previously owned R3, the riding posture won't affect much.

You'll love the bike.
It's all rounder I would say. Fuel economy is best for 650cc. 19-22kmpl in city, 22-27kmpl highways.

So,
The service cost varies with your need.

Only 1st service will cost you around 5-6k. Where they only change the engine oil and filters etc.

On 2nd and 3rd it will go up to 10k depending up consumables and spares including labour.

After 3rd it gets pretty heavy on pocket sometimes.
Front fork seals
Fork oil
Engine oil
Brake pads
Throttle body clean
Coolant check
Air/ oil Filters
Chain adjustment

And what not.

So yea it's pretty basic to get bill of around 14k-25k

Kawasaki's service is pathetic here in Pune.
They even charge you for just looking at the coolant level [emoji23]. They don't have proper equipments for critical maintenance like throttle body clean and adjustments.

This was for the only normal service and spares.
As the Kawasaki's service interval is only 6000 kms. And if you are a daily commutor like me... You will face the service station every 4 months.
Meaning ~50k for year (depends on your type of service)

Coming to the aftermarket accessories,

Yes they are available - as imports.
If you want exact fit and clean looking bike.
You can opt for branded aftermarket imported accessories. At a price.
Except swing arm spools, nothing will cost you below 10k brother. Unless you have someone abroad who can bring them for you in India.

Also there are many local dealers/ fabricators who can custom design the accessories for you at cheaper price. But you have to compromise the looks sometimes.

AliExpress was a best choice for aftermarket accessories. But due to COVID19 situation everyone are hesitant to order from china.

So cheap alternatives are available but at own risks.

All in all its a good package [emoji108] if you can spend some bucks.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Greatly appreciate it. But I made the leap before waiting for the replies here since I kinda fell in love with the bike. At least now I know what the future holds!


Happy to introduce my Kawasaki Ninja 650 to my brothers here! Please help me name this proud beast.



Got the tank grips installed from dealership apart from that I have ordered frame sliders(3k) front fork sliders(2k) and swingarm spools (1k) off Amazon, let’s wait and see the fir quality, Amazon reviews suggested they were okay!



----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

And add the following to the expenses list -

Insurance
Chain Sprocket
Headlight Upgrade
Brake pads Upgrade
Brake Lines Upgrade
Tail Tidy (optional)
Exhaust Upgrade (optional)
Double Bubble Visor (optional)
Fuel

Weight of the bike with liquids and fuel will tip over 200kgs. That’s a heavy bike.

My experience with a 2014 model was a mixed bag. Top Heavy, no ABS, great tourer, decent fuel economy (city 22, highway 27). Bajaj service support was available then. Sponge front brakes (upgraded to EBC pads and steel braided brake lines, helped improve braking). Not sure how it is now. Met with an accident, repair cost was around 1.5L (claimed insurance). Post the claim, my insurance provider refused to renew, hence had to move to another insurance provider. Had to let go of her for personal reasons.

Hope this and above post helps in your purchase decision.

Happy Shopping!!

Cheers!!!

Thanks for the heads up though I think most of these issues don’t exist now, cos of the bigger factory visor, ABS, LED headlights, brakes are also good IMO after riding the initial 500 kms since I got the bike.

Unfortunately, Insurance and fuel are unavoidable costs which one has to bear with when riding big(comparatively) bikes.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

And yes the factory tyres will last max 15k depending on your rinding style

What tyre’s are you running? My bike came with Dunlop sportmax roadsport 2, dealer advised 25k kms, everyone else on the Internet says ~20k kms. Let’s see how long these factory tyres last. I don’t mind getting tyres replaced once a year more than that is questionable!

[JN8304]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Congratulations!! Happy to know that your happy with your purchase [emoji846].

Wishing you many many happy miles with smiles[emoji846][emoji846][emoji846].

Please tell me that barbecue grill is off.

There are a lot of tyre options now - Metz, Michelin, Pirelli etc.

Cheers!!

[fahim154]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Congratulations!! Happy to know that your happy with your purchase [emoji846].

Wishing you many many happy miles with smiles[emoji846][emoji846][emoji846].

Please tell me that barbecue grill is off.

There are a lot of tyre options now - Metz, Michelin, Pirelli etc.

Cheers!!

Thanks for the love brother!

The grill was not staying after the first two days. Haha

Since I will be using the bike for leisure purpose mostly I will probably switch to Michelins whenever the factory tyres need replacement.

Next mod on my list is the Denali horn!

[Divya Sharan]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Happy to introduce my Kawasaki Ninja 650 to my brothers here! Please help me name this proud beast.

Congratulations!

You may name it anything except Hotaru.

Here's Hotaru with friends.

[saorabbh]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

[MENTION=96498]fahim[/MENTION]145

Mine are Timsun 712 shoes.
This fits my style and budget also.
The tyres are rugged and really have great grip on road. In Wet conditions I don't recommend to hit corners or speeds for those who don't have ABS [emoji51] (Like me)

Due to block pattern, the tyre noise and vibrations increased. But I don't mind having those with me.
I got use to it.

My riding is mixed 20% light off-road 80% tarmac, the main Reason for choosing these.

Pair costs you ~12k in stores. (Never bought any tyres online)

[fahim154]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

[MENTION=96498]fahim[/MENTION]145

Mine are Timsun 712 shoes.
This fits my style and budget also.
The tyres are rugged and really have great grip on road. In Wet conditions I don't recommend to hit corners or speeds for those who don't have ABS [emoji51] (Like me)

Due to block pattern, the tyre noise and vibrations increased. But I don't mind having those with me.
I got use to it.

My riding is mixed 20% light off-road 80% tarmac, the main Reason for choosing these.

Pair costs you ~12k in stores. (Never bought any tyres online)[ATTACH]255047[/ATTACH][ATTACH]255048[/ATTACH]

Wow at 12k these are absolutely VFM. Considering your use as well. Asked around for Michelin Pilot 5 and the estimate I was given was approx 25k.

Also, how do you deal with your cat being carved up by speed breakers? I have hit mine about 4-5 times and every time it happens it breaks my heart. Any solutions to this change monoshock setting? Ofc we can get an exhaust but slip on are not available for the Ninja 650 only full system that means installing a fuel controller and an air filter which will cost about 1 lakh which honestly I dont want to spend rn.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Congratulations!

You may name it anything except Hotaru.

Here's Hotaru with friends.

[ATTACH]255027[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]255029[/ATTACH]

Nice clicks bro.

I have named mine ToraKi (Tiger Spirit/heart/energy). Tora can also mean lighting attack, used as code word by the Japanese during WW2 pearl harbour.

[saorabbh]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

Wow at 12k these are absolutely VFM. Considering your use as well. Asked around for Michelin Pilot 5 and the estimate I was given was approx 25k.

Also, how do you deal with your cat being carved up by speed breakers? I have hit mine about 4-5 times and every time it happens it breaks my heart. Any solutions to this change monoshock setting? Ofc we can get an exhaust but slip on are not available for the Ninja 650 only full system that means installing a fuel controller and an air filter which will cost about 1 lakh which honestly I dont want to spend rn.

For me... These tyre upgrade and monoshock settings are enough.

I'm 6.4 tall and around 98kg [emoji23] so chances were 100% when going with pillion.

But I adjusted the rear shock 1-2 slot stiffer side.

And aspect ratio of my timsuns are slightly more than stock... So I got little more ground clearance as well.

But yea.. it still scraps sometimes when going with pillion.

[niku]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

After getting the bike in January, finally I got a chance to do a proper ride. Chennai (work) to Kanyakumari (hometown). The fuel efficiency is very similar to my Duke 390 (i ride under 120kmph)

[Chakrapani]

Re: Ninja 650R - Ownership Thread

After getting the bike in January, finally I got a chance to do a proper ride. Chennai (work) to Kanyakumari (hometown). The fuel efficiency is very similar to my Duke 390 (i ride under 120kmph)

Now that is one really mean looking reptile. Nice work on the lights. On a lighter note you can actually scare kids by showing this photo....Looks pretty real.